Matelassé (pronounced matt-le-say) is a French word meaning padded, lined or quilted. It is used to describe fabric that appears to be quilted, but actually has no padding within the fabric. Specialty jacquard looms are used to give a matelassé fabric a unique appearance of intricate designs, raised patterns, indentations, and the padded look often associated with quilts.

We love the luxurious warmth and the plush look of matelassé. Here are some of our favorites:

For more Matelassé, visit our Bedspreads and Quilts Shop.

 

 

Throughout history, monogramming has become the perfect way to make your mark. In ancient Greece, monograms were used on coins to identify the city from which they originated.

However, it was not until the Victorian Era that monogramming became a prominent decorative art, with members of the aristocracy identifying their clothes, tableware, and cutlery with their own initials. It became a luxury that many aspired to, but few could afford.

Luckily, today it is possible to leave your mark on almost anything.  In the U.S., Pickard China specializes in American-made customized dinnerware, making pieces for prominent hotels, restaurants, companies, and government entities, including the United Nations, Air Force One, and several terms in the White House.  Below is the customized design created to celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

Obama Inauguration China (courtesy Pickard China)

One of the many political figures who loved monograms was President John F. Kennedy. He had monogrammed tableware, monogrammed shirts (he liked his initials on the left breast), and he even had custom umbrellas monogrammed for his groomsmen for his wedding in September of 1953.  His brothers Robert (RFK) and Edward (EMK) were also well known by their initials.

Courtesy of Life Magazine, 1960

Monogramming for President Lyndon Baines Johnson was easy: everyone in his family had the same initials! From his wife, Lady Bird Johnson, to his daughters, Lynda Bird Johnson and Luci Baines Johnson, and even the dog, Little Beagle Johnson, all members of the family could be identified by LBJ (just like LeBron James!).

The Johnson Family

A few other memorable monograms:  FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt), TSE (T.S. Elliott), SJP (Sarah Jessica Parker), LV (Louis Vuitton), CC (Coco Chanel) and QEII (Queen Elizabeth II).

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift (they make great wedding presents) or just want to add a unique touch to your home, monogramming is a perfect way to leave your mark.

Vagabond House Monogrammed Dinnerware From $19

 For more customized items, visit our Bespoke Shop.

We’re proud to announce that one of our favorite Gracious Style designers, Suzanne Kasler, was included by Architectural Digest in this year’s 2014 AD 100 List, a prestigious annual list of the most elite talents in architecture and design.

 

Her sharp eye for mixing European sensibilities, vintage modern elements and architectural details has long earned Suzanne Kasler a place among America’s top designers. Her first book, Inspired Interiors, published in 2009 by Rizzoli, became a classic reference for her iconic sense of casual elegance, sublimely warm palettes, and welcoming sophistication.

 

Suzanne Kasler’s lighting collection for Visual Comfort is the perfect complement to her design philosophy that “a room should be collected, not decorated.” Inspired by her own collections of European antiques and vintage finds, each piece in her stunning array of thoughtfully-designed lighting solutions is a functional work of art. Every detail is crafted from authentic, natural materials in a variety of fine finishes.

 

Her love of history shows. Iconic architectural motifs such as the quatrefoil figure prominently in Suzanne Kasler’s latest offerings.

 

Not to be forgotten is Suzanne Kasler’s love of vintage modern and art deco style. She expertly blends these elements into timeless pieces that evoke a subtle yet chic eclecticism.

 

Not limited to lighting design, Suzanne Kasler also has a line of rugs designed exclusively for Safavieh. Her classic sensibility, pretty palettes, and understated eclecticism shine in these beautifully chic pieces, each handcrafted by master artisans in Nepal.

 

What’s your favorite Suzanne Kasler piece? Let us know in the comments!

View our complete selection of Suzanne Kasler Lighting here.  View all of Suzanne Kasler’s rugs designed exclusively for Safavieh here.

And as our gift to you,  enjoy FREE SHIPPING on every Suzanne Kasler item until March 31st.

 

 

 

 

 

Spring has sprung, and Easter is just around the corner! With flowers in bloom and birds taking wing, there is no better time to celebrate family, friends and all who are dear. Whether giving a token of affection, or simply celebrating the joy of life that spring instills, it is hard to resist the fervor of this festive season.

In the true spirit of Easter, Herend embraces the thrill of new life with their precious bunny rabbit figurines.

 

Inspired by the enchanting gardens of Europe, Juliska‘s Jardin du Monde Dinnerware is a celebration of Mother Nature’s beauty.

 

With fresh blooms in purple, orange and gold, Gien‘s Bagatelle Dinnerware floods the eye with exquisite florals.

 

Whether giving it as a gift, or adding it to your own decor, Nanette Lapore‘s Porcelain Embroidered Pillow adds sweet nostalgia to any room.

 

The delicate pink cherry blossoms of Anali‘s Blossom Bath Accessories add a springtime punch of color to your bath.

 

Inspired by the Garden of Eden’s eternal beauty, Christofle‘s Jardin D’Eden Picture Frame highlights your most memorable moments.

 

With vibrant chartreuse handles, Vietri‘s Aladding Brilliant Chartreuse Flatware adds just a hint of shine to your table.

In soft garden hues, Le Jacquard Francais‘ Venezia Flannel Table Linens bring subtle green tones to your table.

 

Great for holding candy or little treasures, Royal Copenhagen‘s Bonbonniere Easter Eggs have just the perfect hint of pastel in their delicately depicted floral scenes.

 

For more great spring ideas, visit our Easter Shop.

 

 

 

 

Every now and then, a collection comes along that is so exquisite, it’s impossible not to fall in love at first sight. A spring daydream comes alive in Christofle’s newest additions to their fine flatware collection, Jardin d’Eden. A collaboration with Marcel Wanders, one of the world’s most distinguished designers, delicately engraved floral swirls span the entirety of each piece, turning this collection into sumptuous poetry made real.

Dubbed one of Business Week’s “25 Leaders of Change in Europe,” and “the Lady Gaga of Design” by The New York Times, designer Marcel Wanders is renowned for replacing the coldness of industrial design with beauty, romance and fantasy. The Jardin d’Eden (or Garden of Eden) collection is the perfect expression of this vision.

Precision craftsmanship reigns supreme in these finely engraved lines, inspired by the interlaced leaves, flowers and curls of lush garden greenery.

 

The Jardin d’Eden collection is available in both sterling silver and silverplated settings.

Fine accessories and gifts are also included in this stunning collection.  Notice the apple in the center of the charger (see below):

Let us know if you’re as inspired as we are by Christofle’s incredible creations by sharing your comments below.

To see the entire Jardin d’Eden collection, please click here.

To view our entire selection of Christofle items, please click here.

Let the peaceful colors of the seaside add serenity to your home, and transport you to your favorite beach escape.

 

 

To see more throw pillows, click here.

The contrasting hues of bright lime and classic navy add the perfect amount of zest to any room.

 

 

To see more throw pillows, click here.

Purchasing fine silverware is an important investment you want to protect, perhaps for generations to come. Since its founding in Normandy, France in 1830, Christofle’s silver creations have been prized for well over a century by serious connoisseurs, gracing the tables of maharajas, presidents, luxurious resorts, and the finest restaurants in the world. With proper care, Christofle silver will stay looking as sublime on your table as it has in royal palaces throughout the ages.

We’ve compiled an easy guide on how to care for your Christofle silver and silverplated items, to keep them pristine and exquisite throughout years of enjoyment.

Cleaning Your Christofle Silver

Wash immediately after every use.

If you are unable to wash immediately, wipe off any remaining food, and rinse in hot water.  This will prevent prolonged contact with acidic substances, which can damage silver.

Hand Washing

Gently remove debris using a soft sponge and soapy water made with gentle liquid dish detergent. Never use a corrosive or abrasive product, and never let your silverware come into contact with bleach. Promptly dry with a soft cloth.

Dishwasher Safe

All Christofle flatware – including sterling silver – can be safely washed in a dishwasher, provided the following rules are observed:

• Use chlorine-free powders or tablets only. Do not use liquid or gel products, which often contain chlorine.
• If you use a water softening product in the dishwasher, avoid washing your silverware during the first cycle. Follow dishwasher instructions concerning the hardness of the water. Water with a high mineral content can be corrosive.
• Knives manufactured before 1968 must be washed by hand only.

Care for Frames

All Christofle picture frames are specially varnished with a protective coating, and do not require any special care.  Do not use Christofle or household cleaning products, which could damage the finish. A soft, dry cloth is all that is needed to remove dust from varnished products.

 

Tarnish Removal and Polishing

Christofle has created a variety of specially-formulated polishing and storage products to ensure the longevity of your silver. After using each of these products, rinse in clean water and wash as usual.

For daily care of all your silver items, use the Silversmith Anti-Tarnish Polishing Gloves. Infused with Christofle’s signature shine product, these gloves polish silver quickly and effortlessly, while keeping your hands clean. Never wash the Silversmith gloves.

For more detailed anti-tarnish jobs, Christofle recommends using their Cream Cleaner with Sponge, which not only removes tarnish but protects from future oxidation. Follow with the Chamoisine Polishing Cloth for a lustrous shine.

 

Storage

Proper storage is critical to preventing silver from tarnishing. Christofle’s Anti-Tarnish Cloth Bags are made with a highly effective anti-tarnishing fabric designed to prevent oxidation and maintain shine. These brilliant storage solutions come in a variety of sizes to protect all your precious silver, from a single serving spoon to a large tray.

 

Have a favorite Christofle piece or collection? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

To see our complete collection of Christofle flatware, holloware, and gifts, please click here.

To view all Christofle silver care and storage solutions, please click here.

A mattress pad is designed to lie on top of a mattress.  It can have an elasticized skirt that is placed over and around a mattress, similar to a bottom fitted sheet. Or it can have anchor bands at the corners that keep it in place.

• Extra cushioning, so you experience the added softness of a pad while still enjoying the support of the mattress.
• An added layer of warmth between the mattress and your body (especially important in colder weather or in air-conditioned rooms).
• Acts as a buffer between the sheets and the mattress, to help protect against stains.
• Protects the mattress, especially the stitching along the seams.

For the ultimate luxury, we love Downright‘s White Goose Down Mattress Pads, which offer both comfort and warmth.

Or, if you are looking for an option without feathers, Sferra‘s Arcadia Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Mattress Pads use Pluma-Fil for that same soft, plush feel.

For more mattress pads, please click here.

Muted by neutral tones, we love adding a touch of color with the beautiful citrus shades of lemongrass.

 

 

To see more throw pillows, click here.